Charles Washington Award finalist: Candisse Griffin

She's always felt that way, and her commitment to being the best she can be sustained her through an accomplished career at Weston Ranch High.

The recent high school graduate, who is headed to UC Davis to study neurology and physiology, was selected as a finalist for the ninth Charles Washington Award in a vote by The Record's sports staff for her accomplishments in athletics, academics and in the community.

Griffin, 18, was a standout volleyball and basketball player and also competed in track and field at Weston Ranch. She earned most inspirational player awards in volleyball and track. She received the basketball team's Lady Cougar Pride award for two consecutive years and was named her school's Female Athlete of the Year her senior year. Griffin was a Record All-Area volleyball honorable mention and a first team All-Valley Oak League volleyball honoree her senior season.

Griffin said sports have helped shape her life in many ways.

"All of my best friends are from playing sports and being part of a team. It just helps build my character," she said. "Sports help you adapt to different environments because each game is different and you have to adapt to different types of situations. And it makes you a real strong and competitive person, which has shown through school and the sport."

Griffin also excelled outside the athletic arena.

She achieved a 4.1 grade-point average and received numerous academic awards, including department honors in science, social science, physical education, agriculture, visual performing arts and mathematics.

Last summer, Griffin was one of 24 students selected out of 500 applicants from high schools throughout northern and central California to participate in the Stanford Medical Youth Science Program. For five weeks, Griffin lived with the other students in a Stanford dormitory and interned at Stanford Hospital.

"It was a great learning experience, seeing hands-on what it's like to be a doctor or a nurse," Griffin said.

Since an early age, Griffin has been interested in science and nutrition. As a result, she is an active member of Future Farms of America and has been awarded its outstanding agricultural biology student and agricultural ambassador awards. She has volunteered at the Stockton Children's Museum, Farm Day, Ag Venture, Stockton Shelter for the Homeless and as a youth volleyball coach and referee.

"She's an extremely hard worker and is committed to everything that she does," said Stacia Stricker, one of Griffin's former club volleyball coaches and Griffin's algebra teacher her sophomore year. "I've seen her succeed in multiple areas. She was one of my top students and one of the people in our league who could put the ball down. When she hit the ball, people were anxious at moments."

Griffin's parents, Cathy and Gary, taught her the value of self-reliance. Griffin was taught basic life skills but it was up to her whether she wanted to do something with her life.

"I learned independence and how you have to learn to do things for yourself and not depend on other people," she said. "I learned how to work hard and not to cheat in life. If you fail, you fail. I guess I just really wanted to be successful."

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